Support pedestal assembly including a stabilizing collar for stabilizing a support structure

ABSTRACT

A support structure for elevating a building surface above a fixed surface having stability bracing to provide increased stability to the structure. The support structure includes a plurality of support pedestals that are disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface. A plurality of braces are attached to adjacent support pedestals to interconnect the support pedestals. Interconnecting the support pedestals in such a manner creates a stable support structure that can be utilized in unstable environments, such as seismically active geographic areas. The support pedestals can be adjustable-height support pedestals.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/505,217, filed Jul. 17, 2009, entitled “STABILITY BRACING OFA SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR ELEVATING A BUILDING STRUCTURE,” and now U.S.Pat. No. 8,181,399, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of support structures for supportingan elevated surface above a fixed surface, such as for elevated floors,decks and walkways.

2. Description of Related Art

Elevated building surfaces such as elevated floors, decks, terraces andwalkways are desirable in many environments. One common system forcreating such surfaces includes a plurality of surface tiles, such asconcrete tiles (pavers), stone tiles or wood tiles, and a plurality ofspaced-apart support pedestals upon which the tiles are placed to besupported above a fixed surface. For example, in outdoor applications,the surface may be elevated above a fixed surface by the supportpedestals to promote drainage, to provide a level structural surface forwalking, and/or to prevent deterioration of or damage to the surfacetiles. The pedestals can have a fixed height, or can have an adjustableheight such as to accommodate variations in the contour of the fixedsurface upon which the pedestals are placed, or to create desirablearchitectural features.

Although a variety of shapes are possible, in many applications thesurface tiles are rectangular in shape, having four corners. In the caseof a rectangular shaped tile, each of the spaced-apart support pedestalscan therefore support four adjacent surface tiles at the tile corners.Stated another way, each rectangular surface tile can be supported byfour pedestals that are disposed under each of the corners of the tile.Large or heavy tiles can be supported by additional pedestals atpositions other than at the corners of the tiles.

One example of a support pedestal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,588,264 by Buzon, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. The support pedestal disclosed by Buzon can be used in outdooror indoor environments and is capable of supporting heavy loads appliedby many types of building surfaces. The pedestal includes a threadedbase member and a threaded support member that is threadably engagedwith the base member to enable the height of the support pedestal to beadjusted by rotating the support member or the base member relative tothe other. The support pedestal can also include a coupler memberdisposed between the base member and the support member for furtherincreasing the height of the pedestal, if necessary.

Support pedestals are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,685 byKugler and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0261329 by Kugler et al.,each of which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One problem that is associated with some support structures for elevatedsurfaces is that the support structures do not provide adequatestructural stability in certain unstable environments. As a result, thesupport structures cannot be safely utilized in certain seismicallyactive geographic areas, high wind areas or other locations that may besubject to disruptive vibrations of the fixed surface.

Another problem associated with some support structures for elevatedsurfaces is that the safely obtainable height of the support pedestalsis limited due to the increasing instability of the support pedestals asthe height of the pedestals, and hence the center of gravity of thepedestals, is increased. The increased height of the center of gravityfurther compounds the problems associated with disruptive vibrations ofthe underlying surface.

It is therefore an objective to provide a support structure for anelevated surface, where the support structure has improved structuralstability. It is also an objective to provide a support structure thatcan enable the safe construction of an elevated surface having anincreased height above the fixed surface as compared to existing supportstructures, particularly in areas that are prone to disruptivevibrations.

In one exemplary embodiment, a support structure for elevating abuilding surface above a fixed surface is provided. The supportstructure can include a plurality of support pedestals that are disposedin spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface. The support pedestals caninclude a base member that is adapted to be placed upon the fixedsurface and a support plate disposed over the base member. A pluralityof braces are each operatively attached to at least two adjacent supportpedestals to interconnect the support pedestals and form a stablesupport structure. In this regard, a plurality of pedestal attachmentelements can be disposed around a perimeter of the support pedestal, andthe braces can include brace attachment elements disposed in endportions of the braces such that the brace attachment elements can besecured to the pedestal attachment elements to secure the braces to thesupport pedestals.

In one aspect, the brace attachment elements comprise attachment knobsand the pedestal attachment elements comprise apertures, wherein theattachment knobs are disposed through the apertures to secure the bracesto the support pedestals. In another aspect, the brace attachmentelements comprise apertures and the pedestal attachment elementscomprise attachment knobs, where the attachment knobs are disposedthrough the apertures to secure the braces to the support pedestals.

The support pedestals can have a fixed height, and in one aspect thesupport pedestals can have an adjustable height. In another aspect, thebraces can include arcuate end portions that are attached to the supportpedestals. The arcuate end portions can each comprise at least one braceattachment element such as an aperture.

According to another aspect, one or more of the braces can have anadjustable length. Adjustable length braces can be particularlyadvantageous to accommodate the use of surface tiles having edgeportions of different lengths, e.g., rectangular tiles that are notsquare.

According to another aspect, the pedestal attachment elements aredisposed around a perimeter of the pedestal base members. For example,the pedestal attachment elements can be disposed around a base platethat forms the bottom surface of the base member. In this regard, theattachment elements can include attachment knobs that are permanently orremovably affixed to the base member.

In another aspect, the pedestal attachment elements can be disposed on astabilizing collar that is operatively attached to the support pedestal.For example, the stabilizing collar can be threadably attached to thesupport pedestal whereby the height of the stabilizing collar can beadjusted. In one aspect, the pedestal attachment elements disposed onthe stabilizing collar include attachment knobs.

In one aspect, the support pedestals are not attached to the fixedsurface. For example, the fixed surface can be natural ground or anothersurface that is not amenable to the attachment of the support pedestalsto the fixed surface. In another aspect, the support pedestals arenon-metallic support pedestals, such as plastic support pedestals thatare resistant to rotting and corrosion due to exposure to outdoorenvironments. The braces can be fabricated from a variety of materials,preferably non-metallic materials such as plastic, wood and compositematerials, e.g., fiber reinforced plastics.

According to another embodiment, a support structure for elevating abuilding surface above a fixed surface is provided. The supportstructure can include a plurality of height-adjustable support pedestalsthat are disposed in spaced-apart relation, the support pedestalsincluding a base member that is adapted to be placed upon a fixedsurface and a support plate disposed over the base member that isadapted to support a surface tile above the fixed surface. A pluralityof attachment knobs are operatively disposed around the perimeter of thesupport pedestals and a plurality of braces are operatively attached tothe support pedestals to interconnect the support pedestals. The bracescan include end portions having at least one aperture, wherein theattachment knobs are disposed within the apertures to secure the bracesto the support pedestals.

In one aspect, the attachment knobs can be disposed around the perimeterof the base member. In another aspect, the height-adjustable supportpedestals can include a support member comprising a support plate, wherethe support member is threadably connected to the base member. In yetanother aspect, the height adjustable support pedestals can include acoupling member (e.g., an extension member) operatively connecting thebase member and a support member.

According to another aspect, the attachment knobs can be disposed on astabilizing collar that is threadably attached to the support pedestal.In yet another aspect, the braces can have an adjustable length.

According to another embodiment, an elevated building surface assemblyis provided. The assembly can include a plurality of support pedestalsthat are disposed in spaced-apart relation. The support pedestals caninclude a base member that is adapted to be placed upon a fixed surfaceand a support member that is disposed over and threadably connected tothe base member. A plurality of braces can be attached to adjacentsupport pedestals to interconnect the support pedestals and form astable support structure and a plurality of surface tiles can be placedupon the support members to form the elevated building surface.According to one aspect, the attachment knobs are disposed on astabilizing collar that is threadably connected to the support pedestal.According to another aspect, the attachment knobs are disposed around aperimeter of the base member. According to yet another aspect, thebraces have an adjustable length.

According to another embodiment, a method for constructing an elevatedbuilding surface comprising a plurality of surface tiles is provided.The method can include the steps of placing a plurality ofheight-adjustable support pedestals on a fixed surface in a spaced-apartrelationship, the pedestals each including a base member. The supportpedestals can be interconnected by attaching a brace to adjacent supportpedestals. Surface tiles can be placed on the support pedestals to formthe elevated building surface. According to one aspect, the fixedsurface can have a sloped or otherwise uneven topography. According toanother aspect, the step of attaching the brace can include placing atleast one aperture in an end portion of the brace through an attachmentknob that is disposed on a perimeter of the support pedestals.

In accordance with the foregoing embodiments and aspects, the supportstructure can provide increased structural stability. In one aspect, thesupport structure can be used to support elevated surfaces inseismically active geographic areas or in other areas where disruptivevibrations may occur, such as a train platform. Through interconnectionof the support pedestals, the support pedestals can move in unisonduring a seismic event or other vibratory disruption to maintain thedesired spacing between the support pedestals, and therefore continue tosafely support surface tiles placed on the support pedestals andmaintain the integrity of the building surface.

The support structure can have an increased structural stability,thereby enabling the use of support pedestals having an increased heightwithout adversely affecting the stability of the elevated surface. Forexample, the support pedestals can have a height of greater than 24inches and even up to about 36 inches or more.

The braces can be rapidly and easily attached to the support membersduring construction of the support structure. The braces can also beconfigured to prevent twisting of the support pedestals in relation toadjacent support pedestals.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stabilized elevated buildingsurface assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a stable support structure forelevating a surface.

FIGS. 3 a-3 d illustrate braces that are adapted to interconnect supportpedestals in a support structure for elevating a surface.

FIGS. 4 a-4 b illustrate an adjustable length brace that is adapted tointerconnect support pedestals in a support structure for elevating asurface.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a support pedestal that is useful in asupport structure for elevating a surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a support pedestalthat is useful in a support structure for elevating a building surface.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a support pedestal that isuseful in a support structure for elevating a building surface.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a support pedestal andinterconnecting braces being placed on the support pedestal and that isuseful in a support structure for elevating a building surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support pedestal havingbraces attached to the base member of the support pedestal and that isuseful in a support structure for elevating a building surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a stabilizing collar that isuseful as an attachment element in a support structure for elevating abuilding surface.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a side view of a support pedestal assemblyincluding a stabilizing collar that is useful in a support structure forelevating a building surface.

FIG. 11 b illustrates a side view of a support pedestal assemblyincluding a plurality of stabilizing collars useful in a supportstructure for elevating a building surface.

FIG. 12 illustrates an adjustable length brace attached to two supportpedestal assemblies having stabilizing collars in a support structurefor elevating a building surface.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an attachment knob that isuseful as an attachment element in a support pedestal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an elevated building surface assembly100 that includes a building surface 101 formed from a plurality ofsurface tiles 102. The surface tiles 102 are elevated above a fixedsurface by a support structure 200 comprising a plurality ofspaced-apart support pedestals 201 and a plurality of braces 204interconnecting the support pedestals. The surface tiles 102 can becomprised of virtually any material from which a building surface isconstructed. Examples include, but are not limited to, slate tiles,natural stone tiles, composite tiles, concrete tiles (e.g., pavers),wooden deck tiles, particularly hardwood deck tiles, tiles of metal orfiberglass grating, and the like. The support pedestals 201 can beplaced in a spaced-apart relationship on fixed surfaces including, butnot limited to, rooftops, on-grade (e.g., natural ground), over concreteslabs including cracked concrete slabs, and can be placed withinfountains and water features, used for equipment mounts, and the like.The elevated building surface assembly 100 can be used for both interiorand exterior applications.

Each of the surface tiles 102 is placed upon several support pedestals201 to elevate the tile 102 above the fixed surface. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the surface tiles 102 are square and a support pedestal 201 isdisposed beneath four corners of adjacent surface tiles 102. Further,although illustrated in FIG. 1 as being laid out in a symmetric squarepattern, the support pedestals 201 can also be laid out in variousconfigurations as may be dictated by the shape and size of the surfacetiles, such as a rectangular configuration or a triangularconfiguration.

The support pedestals 201 are interconnected by a plurality of braces204 that are attached to the support pedestals 201 and operativelyconnect each support pedestal with one or more adjacent supportpedestals to form a stable support structure 200. The braces 204interconnecting the support pedestals 201 can advantageously enhance thestability of the support structure 200 as compared to a structureutilizing support pedestals that are not interconnected and are free tomove independently with respect to other support pedestals. For example,if one or more of the support pedestals 201 shift, such as during aseismic event or other disruption, the braces 204 will cause theinterconnected support pedestals 201 to move essentially in unison suchthat the spacing between adjacent support pedestals remainssubstantially fixed. Therefore, the surface tiles 102 will remainsupported above the fixed surface and the integrity of the buildingsurface 101 will be maintained. Preferably, neither the braces 204 northe support pedestals 201 are attached to the fixed surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a support structure 200 for elevating abuilding surface. The support structure 200 includes a plurality ofsupport pedestals 201 that are spaced-apart by a predetermined distance.The placement of the support pedestals 201 will be dictated by shape andsize of the surface tiles that are placed on the support structure 200.By way of example, the distance between adjacent support pedestals, suchas pedestal 201 e and 201 i, can typically be from about 1 foot to about3 feet, such as about 2 feet. As is discussed below, the braces canoptionally have an adjustable length, such as to accommodate the use ofsurface tiles having edges of different lengths

A plurality of braces 204 are attached to and interconnect the supportpedestals 201. For example, each brace 204 can operatively connect twoadjacent support pedestals 201. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each interiorsupport pedestal, such as support pedestal 201 i, is connected by abrace 204 to each nearest adjacent support pedestal. Thus, each interiorsupport pedestal 201 i can be interconnected to four nearest adjacentsupport pedestals using four individual braces 204. Exterior supportpedestals located on the perimeter of the support structure 200 may beattached to fewer than four support pedestals, such as support pedestal201 e, which is interconnected to three adjacent support pedestals. In asimilar fashion, corner support pedestals such as support pedestal 201 cmay be interconnected to two adjacent support pedestals. Although FIG. 2illustrates that braces 204 are disposed between and attached to nearestadjacent support pedestals, the braces 204 could also be disposed tointerconnect adjacent support pedestals that are diagonally opposed,such as corner support pedestal 201 c and interior support pedestal 201i.

The support structure 200 comprising the support pedestals 201interconnected with braces 204 can advantageously provide enhancedstability for the elevated building surface. For example, the supportstructure 200 can be used in seismically active geographic areas toimprove the stability of the elevated building surface during seismicevents. The support structure 200 can also be used in other areas thatare prone to disruptive vibrations, such as train platforms, or in areasthat are subject to high wind conditions. In this regard, the braces 204can cause the support pedestals 201 to move essentially in unison,thereby maintaining the required spaced-apart relationship betweensupport pedestals to keep the surface tiles supported. Such a stablestructure may also be desired in other locations that are subject toperiodic vibrations, such as a train platform.

The utilization of such braces 204 to interconnect the support pedestals201 can also increase the safely obtainable height of the supportpedestals. That is, the braces 204 can provide sufficient structuralstability such that support pedestals 201 having a higher center ofgravity can be safely utilized to elevate the building surface withoutundue risk of the building surface collapsing.

The braces 204 are therefore adapted to interconnect the supportpedestals 201 and provide a sufficiently rigid lateral and verticalconnection between the support pedestals such that the support pedestalsmove in unison, and such that the spacing among the support pedestalsdoes not substantially change due to seismic events or other events thatcan cause movement of the building surface. In one embodiment, thebraces 204 can also be sufficiently flexible to permit the braces to beplaced over surfaces that are not completely flat while maintaining arigid lateral connection among the support pedestals.

The braces 204 can have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations.FIGS. 3 a-3 d illustrate several exemplary embodiments of braces 204that can be utilized to interconnect support pedestals in a supportstructure. Each of the braces 204 includes end portions 206 at oppositeends of an elongate central portion 207. The end portions 206 areadapted to be connected to a support pedestal, and in this regard caninclude one or more brace attachment elements adapted to secure thebrace to a support pedestal. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 a-3 d, the braceattachment elements are apertures 208 for attaching the braces 204 to asupport pedestal. Alternatively, the end portions 206 could includeother attachment elements for attachment to a support pedestal, such asattachment knobs projecting from the braces 204 or the like.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a brace 204 a where the end portions 206 a aresubstantially parallel with an elongate central portion 207 a. The brace204 a includes at least one aperture 208 a disposed in each end portion206 a of the brace. The apertures 208 a can be adapted to fit over aknob or similar structure on a support pedestal to attach the brace 204a to the support pedestal. Although illustrated as including oneaperture 208 a in each end portion 206 a, each end portion 206 a caninclude two or more apertures 208 a for attachment to a supportpedestal.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a brace 204 b having oblique end portions 206 b,i.e., that are angled with respect to the elongate axis of the centralportion 207 b. The oblique end portions 206 b include two spaced-apartapertures 208 b for attachment to a support pedestal. The brace 204 bcan be useful, for example, when a base member plate of the supportpedestal to which the brace is attached has a rectangular (e.g., square)configuration. In this regard, the end portions 206 b could also bedisposed approximately perpendicular to the elongate axis of the centralportion 207 b.

FIG. 3 c illustrates a brace 204 c having arcuate end portions 206 c.The arcuate end portions 206 c include apertures 208 c that are adaptedto attach to a support pedestal, such as by placement over knobs on thebase member of a support pedestal. A brace 204 c having arcuate endportions 206 c can be useful, for example, to interconnect supportpedestals having a round or oval base member plate. Although illustratedas including two apertures 208 c, the arcuate end portions 206 c caninclude a single aperture or can include multiple apertures forattaching to a support pedestal, as well as other means for attachmentto the support pedestal.

FIG. 3 d illustrates a brace 204 d that includes arcuate end portions206 d. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 d, the end portions 206 dare substantially perpendicularly oriented with respect to the centralportion 207 d.

The braces illustrated in FIGS. 3 b-3 d can be particularly advantageousin that the use of two or more spaced-apart apertures (i.e., more thanone attachment element) can advantageously prevent twisting of a supportpedestal, particularly with respect to other support pedestals and canform a more rigid and stable structure.

In one embodiment, the braces are elastic and sufficiently flexible toaccommodate the placement of the support structure upon uneven fixedsurfaces, while maintaining sufficient lateral rigidity to rigidlyinterconnect the support pedestals. In any respect, the braces 204 canbe fabricated from a variety of materials. For example, the braces 204can be fabricated from non-metallic materials, such as plastics, woodand composite materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the braces have alength of from about 1 foot to about 3 feet, and a thickness of fromabout ⅛″ to about ¼″.

FIGS. 4 a-4 b illustrate a brace having an adjustable length. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4 a-4 b, the adjustable length brace 204 e includesa central portion 207 e and end portions 206 e having apertures 208 edisposed therein for attachment to a support pedestal. The centralportion 207 e includes mutually opposed toothed racks 207 f that areadapted to interlock along their length. Thumb screws 207 g can be usedto loosen and tighten the racks 207 f to permit length adjustment of thebrace 204 e. In this way, the length of the brace 204 e can be adjustedover a wide range. Other mechanisms for adjusting the length of thebraces will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Thus, braces are utilized to interconnect a plurality of supportpedestals to form a support structure that supports the surface tiles toform the elevated building surface. The support pedestals that areuseful for forming the support structure can have a variety ofconfigurations. The support pedestals can have a fixed height, or can beheight-adjustable support pedestals. Further, any combination of fixedheight and height-adjustable support pedestals can be used to form thesupport structure. The support pedestals can also be fabricated from avariety of materials. Preferably, the support pedestals are fabricatedfrom a non-metallic material, such as plastic that is resistant to rotand corrosion.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary support pedestal 201 thatincludes a base member 212 that is adapted to be placed upon a fixedsurface. The support pedestal 201 illustrated in FIG. 5 is aheight-adjustable support pedestal. In this regard, the base member 212includes a cylindrical base member extension 214 that extends upwardlyfrom a base member plate 215 when the support pedestal 201 isoperatively placed on a fixed surface. The base member 212 includes basemember threads 218 on a surface of the base member extension 214.

A support member 216 is adapted to be operatively connected to the basemember 212 and includes a support plate 220 and a cylindrical supportmember extension 219 that extends downwardly from the support plate 220.The support member 216 includes support member threads (not illustrated)on an interior surface of the support member extension 216 that areadapted to threadably engage base member threads 218 to connect thesupport member 216 to the base member 212. Thus, the support member 216can be mated directly to base member threads 218 and can be rotatedrelative to the base member 212 to adjust the height of the supportpedestal 201. The support plate 220 is thereby disposed above the basemember 212 to support surface tiles thereon. Although illustrated ashaving internal threads on the support member 216 and external threadson the base member 218, it will be appreciated that other configurationsare possible, including external threads on the support member andinternal threads on the base member. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.5,588,264 by Buzon and U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,685 by Kugler, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The supportpedestal could also have a fixed height.

The support plate 220 includes a top surface 222 upon which the cornersof adjacent surface tiles can be placed. Spacers 224 can be provided onthe top surface 222 of the support plate 220 to provide predeterminedspacing between adjacent surface tiles that form the elevated buildingsurface. For example, the spacers 224 can be disposed on a crown memberthat is placed in a recess on the top surface 222 of the support plate220. In this manner, the crown member can be rotated independent of thesupport member 216 to adjust the position of the spacers 224.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional exploded view of another exemplarysupport pedestal, including an optional coupling member, that can beuseful in a support structure, and FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of theassembled support pedestal including the optional coupling member.Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the support pedestal 201 includes a basemember 212 having a base member plate 215 that is adapted to be placedupon a fixed surface. The base member includes a cylindrical base memberextension 214 extending upwardly from the base member plate 215 when thesupport pedestal 201 is operatively placed on a fixed surface. The basemember extension 214 includes base member threads 218 disposed on anouter surface of the base member extension 214.

The support pedestal 201 also includes a support member 216 having asupport plate 220 and a cylindrical support member extension 219 thatextends downwardly from the support plate 220. A crown member 225including tile spacers 224 is adapted to be placed in a recess 223 onthe top surface 222 of the support member 216. In this manner, afterplacement of the support pedestal 201, the crown member 225 can befreely rotated in the recess 223 to accommodate the positioning of thesurface tiles.

The support member 216 also includes support member threads 221 disposedon an inner surface of the support member extension 219. The supportmember threads 221 are adapted to rotatably engage the base memberthreads 218 to directly connect the support member 216 to the basemember 212. In this manner, the height of the support pedestal 201 canbe adjusted by rotating the support member 216 or the base member 212,relative to the other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the support pedestal 201 also includesa coupling member 234 (e.g., an extension member) that is adapted toincrease the height of the support pedestal 201. The coupling member 234includes a first cylindrical portion 235 that is adapted to slidablyengage with the base member extension 214, and includes a secondcylindrical portion 237 that includes coupling member threads 236 thatare adapted to rotatably engage with the support member threads 221. Itis important to note that the timing of the coupler member threads 236with the base member threads 218 should be synchronized when thecoupling member 234 is placed in the base member 212. As a result, thesupport member threads 221 can fully engage the coupling member threads236 and continue to thread onto the base member threads 218 withoutbinding. In this way, the support pedestal 201 can be fully adjustedthrough a wide range of heights without any gaps in the obtainablepedestal height. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, thecoupling member 234 also includes an alignment member 238 a that isadapted to mate with an alignment member 238 b in the base member 212 toinsure the timing of the coupling member threads 236 with the basemember threads 218.

Thus, the coupling member 234 can engage both the support member 216 andthe base member 212 to couple the support member 216 to the base member212 and provide an increased height for the support pedestal 201.

The support pedestal 201 also includes attachment knobs 226 disposedaround the perimeter of the support pedestal. The attachment knobs 226are adapted to be placed through apertures in a brace to secure thebrace to the support pedestal.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a supportpedestal 201 and braces 204 being attached to the support pedestal 201.During installation, the braces 204 can be attached to the base member212 before or after connecting the support member 216 to the base member212. After placement of the base member 212 on a fixed surface, aninstaller can rotate the support member 216 relative to the base member212 to adjust the height of the support pedestal 201. The base member212 also includes pedestal attachment elements in the form of attachmentknobs 226 and 228 that are disposed around the perimeter of the supportpedestal 201. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the attachment knobs 226 and 228are attached to the base member 212 and project upwardly from the basemember plate 215. The attachment knobs 226 and 228 can be integrallymolded with the base member 212 during fabrication of the base member.Alternatively, the attachment knobs 226 and 228 can be removably affixedto the base member 212 such as by inserting the attachment knobs throughbase member apertures 230 during installation. The inclusion of opposedintegral knobs 226 and off-set removable knobs 228 can facilitate themolding process for the base member 212, such as when the base member212 is fabricated by injection molding of a plastic material. However,all of the attachment knobs can be permanent knobs, all of theattachment knobs can be removable knobs, or any combination thereof.Further, the attachment knobs can advantageously provide a grip that canbe held by an installer to maintain the base member 212 in a stationaryposition while the support member 216 is rotated relative to the basemember 212, or to rotate the base member 212 while the support member ismaintained in a stationary position, to adjust the height of the supportpedestal 201.

Brace attachment elements in the form of apertures 208 in the endportion 206 of the braces 204 are placed over attachment knobs 226 and228 to attach the braces 204 to the base member 212. After attachment ofthe braces 204, caps 232 can optionally be placed over the top of theknobs 226 and 228 to secure the brace 204 to the base member 212. Forexample, the caps 232 can frictionally engage the knobs 226 and 228 suchthat the brace 204 cannot be easily detached from the base member 212.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the support structure andthe method for the assembly of the support structure provide a rapidmeans for an installer to interconnect a plurality of support pedestalsby attaching and securing braces to the support pedestals duringconstruction of the support structure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support pedestal 201 havingtwo braces 204 attached to the base member 212 of the support pedestal201. Caps 232 disposed over the knobs in the base member plate 215secure the braces 204 to the support pedestal 201.

In one embodiment, the pedestal attachment elements can advantageouslybe disposed on a stabilizing collar that is attached to the supportpedestal such that the attachment elements are disposed around aperimeter of the support pedestal. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspectiveview of a stabilizing collar 250 that can be utilized with a supportpedestal to provide a means to attach braces to the support pedestal.The stabilizing collar 250 includes a plurality of attachment knobs 252that are disposed on a flange 254 extending around the perimeter of thestabilizing collar 250. The flange 254 extends substantiallyorthogonally from an internal threaded portion 256 of the stabilizingcollar 250. The threads of the threaded portion 256 are adapted to bethreadably engaged with external threads of a support pedestal to attachthe stabilizing collar 250 to the support pedestal. In this regard, thebraces can include apertures that are adapted to fit over the attachmentknobs 252 to secure the braces to the stabilizing collar 250, and henceto attach the braces to the support pedestal.

A securement mechanism such as a retaining ridge 258 can also beprovided that is configured to secure the brace after placement of thebrace aperture over the attachment knob 252, e.g., so the brace does notinadvertently detach from the attachment knob. Thus, the aperture in thebrace can have a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter ofthe retaining ridge so that the brace can be “snap-fit” onto theattachment knob. The retaining ridge 258 can be integrally formed withthe attachment knob 252, and the attachment knobs 252 can be permanentlyor removably affixed to the flange 254. For example, the flange 254could include apertures and removable attachment knobs could be insertedthrough the apertures in the flange 254 from the bottom of the flange254. Alternatively, the attachment knobs 252 may be integrally moldedwith the flange 254. It will also be appreciated that the stabilizingcollar could include attachment elements that are apertures, such aswhere the braces include similarly configured attachment knobs that areadapted to fit into the apertures.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a support pedestal 201 (the attachment knobs 226on the base plate 215 being removed for clarity) that includes thestabilizing collar 250 being threadably engaged with the supportpedestal, e.g., the support pedestal 201 illustrated in FIG. 7. As aresult, the attachment knobs 252 are disposed around the perimeter ofthe support pedestal 201. It should be noted that when the stabilizingcollar 250 is threadably engaged with such a support pedestal 201, thestabilizing collar 250 can advantageously be rotated to move the collaralong external extension threads of the support pedestal 201 (e.g., thebase member threads 218 and/or the coupling member threads 236) toadjust the height of the stabilizing collar 250 relative to the surfaceonto which the pedestal 201 is placed. Such a pedestal support 201having attachment elements 252 with adjustable height can advantageouslyprovide increased stability, particularly with the increased pedestalsupport heights that are obtainable using a coupling member (e.g.,coupling member 234 of FIG. 7). Further, the stabilizing collar 250 canbe rotated to adjust the positioning of the attachment knobs 252 duringinstallation without necessitating rotation of the entire supportpedestal 201. In some arrangements, it is envisioned that one or morebraces (see FIGS. 3-4) could be attached to knobs on the base plate of afirst support pedestal (so as to secure the first support pedestal to anadjacent second support pedestal) while one or more additional bracescould be attached to knobs 252 on a support collar 250 of the firstsupport pedestal (so as to secure the first support pedestal to theadjacent second support pedestal and/or an adjacent third supportpedestal). Other arrangements are envisioned and included within thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 b illustrates a support pedestal 201 that includes a pluralityof stabilizing collars 250 such as first and second stabilizing collars250 a, 250 b being threadably engaged with the external extensionthreads (e.g., coupling member threads 236) of the support pedestal 201.For instance, the first stabilizing collar 250 a may be engaged with thesupport pedestal 201 at a first vertical position V₁ above the baseplate 215 and below the support plate 220 and include first attachmentelements 252 a adapted to engage with stabilizing braces (removed forclarity from FIG. 11 b) at the first vertical position V₁. The secondstabilizing collar 250 b may be engaged with the support pedestal 201 ata second vertical position V₂ above the base plate 215 and below thesupport plate 220 and include second attachment elements 252 b adaptedto engage with stabilizing braces (removed for clarity from FIG. 11 b)at the second vertical position V₂.

Use of a plurality of stabilizing collars 250 a, 250 b on at least someof the support pedestals 201 advantageously provides a more structurallyrobust assembly 100 that is more likely to move in unison during aseismic or other type event. Furthermore, doing so allows for moreflexibility in the specific types of support structures 200 that arepossible. For instance, engaging multiple stabilizing collars 250 a, 250b on a first support pedestal 201 could advantageously allow the firstsupport pedestal 201 to be attached to adjacent second and third supportpedestals 201, where the adjacent second support pedestal 201 is at aslightly higher grade or elevation that the first support pedestal 201and where the adjacent third support pedestal 201 is at a slightly lowergrade or elevation than the first support pedestal. As another example,first and second support collars 250 a, 250 b on the same supportpedestal could be rotated to achieve different orientations of therespective knobs 252 or other pedestal attachment elements. Furthermore,while the stabilizing collars 250 have been disclosed as having knobs252 receivable within apertures 208 of the braces 204, it is alsoenvisioned that at least some of the stabilizing collars 250 could haveapertures disposed on the flange 252 that are adapted to receive knobsor other protrusions disposed on the ends of the braces 204. Stillfurther, it is contemplated that at least some stabilizing collars 250could have both knobs 252 and apertures on or in the flange 252 and/or asupport pedestal 201 could have one stabilizing collar 250 with justknobs 252 thereon and another stabilizing collar with just aperturestherein. Further arrangements are also envisioned and included withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates two support pedestals 201 a and 201 b that includestabilizing collars 250 threadably engaged with the support pedestalsand that are both attached to an adjustable length brace 204 e tointerconnect the support pedestals 201 a and 201 b. By having theattachment elements (e.g., attachment knobs 252) disposed above thefixed surface and closer to the center of gravity of the supportpedestals 201, a more stable support structure can advantageously beformed.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an attachment knob 260that is useful as an attachment element for securing the braces to thesupport pedestals. The attachment knob 260 includes a hollow interior262 and a slot 266 formed in the attachment knob 260. A securementmechanism in the form of a resilient tab member 264 is disposed withinthe slot 266. In this manner, a mating aperture in a brace can be placedover the attachment knob 260 and pushed downwardly past the resilienttab member 264. The tab member 264 will then snap back into position tosecure the brace to the attachment knob 260. Such an attachment knob 260can be removably attached to a support pedestal (e.g., to a stabilizingcollar or a base member) or can be permanently attached.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A support pedestal assembly, comprising: a support pedestalcomprising a base plate that is configured to be placed upon a fixedsurface, a support plate disposed over the base plate that is configuredto support a surface tile above the fixed surface, and a substantiallycylindrical extension disposed between the base plate and the supportplate, the substantially cylindrical extension comprising externalextension threads along at least a portion thereof; and a stabilizingcollar comprising internal collar threads that are configured to bethreadably engaged with the external extension threads, and comprising aplurality of pedestal attachment elements disposed around a perimeter ofthe stabilizing collar; wherein the stabilizing collar may be threadablyengaged with and rotated relative to the substantially cylindricalextension to adjust the height of the stabilizing collar relative to thebase plate.
 2. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 1, whereinthe support pedestal comprises a height-adjustable pedestal.
 3. Thesupport pedestal assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the supportpedestal comprises a fixed-height pedestal.
 4. The support pedestalassembly recited in claim 2, wherein the support plate is disposed on asupport member that is configured to be threadably engaged with theexternal extension threads.
 5. The support pedestal assembly recited inclaim 2, wherein the support pedestal further comprises a couplingmember.
 6. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 5, wherein thecoupling member comprises external coupling member threads, and whereinthe external coupling member threads comprise at least a portion of theexternal extension threads.
 7. The support pedestal assembly recited inclaim 1, wherein the pedestal attachment elements are disposed on aflange extending around a perimeter of the stabilizing collar.
 8. Thesupport pedestal assembly recited in claim 7, wherein the pedestalattachment elements comprise apertures that are disposed on the flange.9. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 8, wherein thepedestal attachment elements comprise attachment knobs that are disposedon the flange.
 10. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 9,wherein the attachment knobs comprise a securement mechanism that isconfigured to secure a brace to the attachment knob.
 11. The supportpedestal assembly recited in claim 10, wherein the securement mechanismcomprises a retaining ridge disposed around a circumference of theattachment knob.
 12. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 10,wherein the securement mechanism comprises a resilient tab member. 13.The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 9, wherein at least aportion of the attachment knobs are permanently affixed to the flange.14. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 9, wherein at least aportion of the attachment knobs are removably affixed to the flange. 15.The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 1, wherein thestabilizing collar is a first stabilizing collar configured to bethreadably engaged with the external extension threads at a firstvertical position above the base plate, and wherein the support pedestalassembly further comprises: a second stabilizing collar comprisinginternal collar threads that are configured to be threadably engagedwith the external extension threads at a second vertical position abovethe base plate that is different than the first vertical position, andcomprising a plurality of pedestal attachment elements disposed around aperimeter of the second stabilizing collar.
 16. The support pedestalassembly recited in claim 15, wherein the pedestal attachment elementsof the first and second stabilizing collars comprise attachment knobsand/or apertures that are disposed on the flange.
 17. The supportpedestal assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises aplurality of pedestal attachment elements disposed around a perimeterthereof.
 18. A support structure for elevating a building surface abovea fixed surface, the support structure comprising: a plurality ofsupport pedestal assemblies disposed in spaced-apart relation, thesupport pedestal assemblies comprising: a base member that is placedupon a fixed surface, a support plate disposed over the base member thatis adapted to support a surface tile above the fixed surface, asubstantially cylindrical extension disposed between the base member andthe support plate, the substantially cylindrical extension comprisingexternal extension threads along at least a portion thereof, and astabilizing collar comprising internal collar threads that arethreadably engaged with the external extension threads, the stabilizingcollar comprising a plurality of pedestal attachment elements disposedaround a perimeter of the stabilizing collar; and a plurality of bracesoperatively attached to the pedestal attachment elements to interconnectthe support pedestal assemblies, the braces comprising end portionscomprising brace attachment elements that are operatively engaged withthe pedestal attachment elements.
 19. The support structure recited inclaim 18, wherein the support pedestal assemblies comprise aheight-adjustable support pedestal.
 20. The support structure recited inclaim 18, wherein the support pedestal assemblies comprise afixed-height pedestal.
 21. The support structure recited in claim 18,wherein the pedestal attachment elements are disposed on a flangeextending around a perimeter of the stabilizing collar.
 22. The supportstructure recited in claim 21, wherein the pedestal attachment elementscomprise attachment knobs that are disposed on the flange.
 23. Thesupport structure recited in claim 22, wherein the attachment knobscomprise a securement mechanism that is configured to secure a brace tothe attachment knob.
 24. The support structure recited in claim 22,wherein the brace attachment elements comprise apertures that are placedover the attachment knobs.
 25. The support structure recited in claim21, wherein the pedestal attachment elements comprise apertures that aredisposed on the flange, and wherein the brace attachment elementscomprise attachment knobs that are received in the apertures.
 26. Thesupport pedestal assembly recited in claim 18, wherein the stabilizingcollar is a first stabilizing collar that is threadably engaged with theexternal extension threads at a first vertical position above the basemember, and wherein at least a portion of the support pedestalassemblies further comprise: a second stabilizing collar comprisinginternal collar threads that are threadably engaged with the externalextension threads at a second vertical position above the base memberthat is different than the first vertical position, and comprising aplurality of pedestal attachment elements disposed around a perimeter ofthe second stabilizing collar, wherein the plurality of braces areoperatively attached to the pedestal attachment elements of the firstand second stabilizing collars to interconnect the support pedestalassemblies.
 27. The support pedestal assembly recited in claim 18,wherein the base member of at least some of the support pedestalassemblies comprises a plurality of pedestal attachment elementsdisposed around a perimeter thereof, wherein the plurality of braces areoperatively attached to the pedestal attachment elements of thestabilizing collars and the base members to interconnect the supportpedestal assemblies.
 28. An elevated building surface assembly,comprising the support structure recited in claim 16 and comprising: aplurality of surface tiles operatively placed upon the support plates inspaced-apart relation to form an elevated building surface. 29-34.(canceled)